Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today attended a special ceremony at Government House for the swearing in of our 39th Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley AO, QC.

Mr Ward said: “From 1996 to 2019, Margaret Beazley was a Judge of Appeal of the NSW Court of Appeal. She was President of the court, the first woman to hold the office, from 2013 until February 2019 – she is a highly qualified person of enormous substance and character,” he said.

“I have no doubt that Governor Beazley will be a hard working Governor and bring warmth and intellect to this role.

“Our 39th Governor, Margaret Beazley was officially sworn in by the Chief Judge of the NSW Supreme Court Tom Bathurst.

“I would also like to pay tribute to David Hurley and his wife Linda for their diligence and dedication to serving our State. He will serve our Nation with the greatest of distinction as the next Governor General of Australia.

“He is also a product of the Illawarra region and we are enormously proud of that.

“Let David Hurley’s life of distinguished Australian Defence Force and public service be a shining example to encourage young people across our region to aim high and pursue their goals and dreams.

“It was also terrific to catch up with former Governor of NSW Dame Marie Bashir – her gracious service as Governor is well remembered, loved and admired by people right across our State,” Minister Ward concluded.